Historic District Information


WHY A HISTORIC DISTRICT?
The purpose of Haddonfield's Historic District Ordinance, enacted in 1971 and amended in 1987, is "to safeguard the heritage of the Borough of Haddonfield by preserving that part of the Borough which reflects elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history." The creation of a historic district, in contrast to individual historic designations, preserves and enhances the overall historic environment.

The District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, subsequent to its listing on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1980. The dual listing in addition to the local designation provides an important combination of protective mechanisms.

Historic district designation protects the entire ensemble. The streetscapes have an architectural harmony that is enhanced by trees, brick sidewalks, garden, fences and gates. In the business district architectural harmony includes storefronts, signs, lighting, awnings and paving - the amenities that contribute to Haddonfield's historic character.

Haddonfield's Historic District includes 488 houses, buildings, and sites in the town's historic core, of which more than 150 are of the highest historical or architectural significance. These meet the criteria of evaluation for historic preservation used by the National Register of Historic Places. The remainder are architecturally compatible, presenting a harmonious environment. Every building in the historic district contributes to the entire district.

CRITERIA FOR PRESERVATION
In general, a building, complex of buildings, structure, site, object or district may be designated for preservation in a Historic District and/or on the National and State Registers if it has met the following criteria: 
A. Has significant character, interest or value as part of the heritage or cultural characteristics of the municipality, state or nation or is associated with the life of a person significant in the past; or 
B. Is associated with an event of importance to the history of the municipality, state or nation; or 
C. Reflects the environment in an era characterized by a distinctive architectural style; or 
D. Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style or engineering specimen; or 
E. Is the work of a designer, architect, landscape architect or designer, or engineer whose work has significantly influenced the historical, architectural, economic, social, or cultural development of the municipality, state or nation; or 
F. Contains elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or 
G. Is part of or related to a park or other distinctive area which should be preserved according to a historic, cultural or architectural motif; or 
H. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history; or 
I. Exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social or historical heritage of the community.